Manaslu Circuit Trek - 16 Days

After landing at Tribhuvan International, our representatives will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of the capital city, Thamel. After some time to rest and unwind, you can spend the first evening wandering the narrow alleys of Kathmandu.

Today is for a technical gear check and last-minute shopping. While our guides finalize your paperwork, including the Chumnubri Rural Municipality permits, you can also join your guide for a city tour.

And here’s a secret: Use the day to buy extra high-altitude snacks like dried ginger or local yak cheese in Thamel. It’s much cheaper here than at 4,000 meters.

You will skip the crowded public buses for a 4WD jeep adventure along the rugged roads. The road is bumpy; hold your seats tight as you transition from black-topped highway to dusty cliffside tracks.

After a long day of driving, you will reach the trailhead of Machha Khola. Enjoy your first Himalayan sunset as you call it a day!

The trek officially starts today. You will cross the Budhi Gandaki River and take on the rocky stairs toward Tatopani. Here, you can take a quick detour to the natural hot water taps. Trekkers wash their faces here for good luck.

After a few hours of trek, you will reach Jagat. Prepare your documents for a thorough permit check before continuing forward.

You’ll notice the climate shifting as the valley tightens. The jungle has massive ferns and cascading waterfalls. Along the way, you will hear the mule caravan bells. When you encounter them, always step toward the "wall side" of the trail for a safe passage.

Upon reaching Deng, the architecture begins to look distinctly Tibetan with flat stone roofs.

Today’s journey takes you on a steep ascent, but the reward is the first glimpse of Siringi Himal. You’ll walk past your first major Mani walls. Always walk to the left of these sacred stones as a sign of respect. The higher you go, the thinner the air becomes. Ensure you are well hydrated to stay safe from altitude sickness.

Lho is a picturesque village that you find in postcards. You aim to arrive at this breathtaking village early so you can walk up to Ribung Monastery.

While most trekkers wait for sunrise, the "secret" is catching the sunset here. During sunset, you can witness the sunlight hitting the summit of Manaslu and turning the entire peak a deep, glowing orange hue against the evening sky.

Today’s trek takes you to Sama Gaon, the largest village in the Manaslu region. On your way, you will pass the Shyala plateau. Stop to take in the 360-degree mountain views.

At Sama Gaon, you will find yourself in the heart of the Nubri culture. You will encounter locals weaving or spinning wool. A simple "Tashi Delek" goes a long way.

Today is acclimatization day. To adapt to the high altitude conditions and avoid the risks of Acute Mountain Sickness or Altitude Sickness, you will practice the “climb high, sleep low” strategy.

However, you will skip the crowded Birendra Lake and hike to Pungen Gompa, right under the east face of Manaslu. Here, you can listen to the sound of grinding ice from the glaciers above and enjoy the panoramic Himalayan views before descending to Sama Gaon for the night.

As you trek toward the Nepal-Tibet border at Samdo, you will notice the trees fading and being replaced by alpine shrubs. In Samdo, the locals often trade across the mountain passes; it is a great place to buy a genuine hand-knit yak-wool hat.

From Samdo, you trek to the high altitude village of Dharmashala. The facilities in your teahouse or stone hut are basic, but the excitement for the big day is immense.

Seasoned trekkers often take a bottle of warm water to bed. This keeps them warm throughout the bitter nights and ensures non-frozen drinkable water the following morning.

Your day starts early, at around 3:30 AM. With the help of headlamps, you will slowly take on the rugged terrain to Larkya La Pass. Ensure a slow and rhythmic climb to avoid altitude-related ailments. Upon reaching the summit, you will sense a profound sense of accomplishment. Witness the panoramic view from the 5,106-meter prayer-flag-draped pass.

It’s now time to descend toward Bimthang. The trail is steep and slippery and takes you over the loose scree. If you have microspikes, today is the day to use them.

As you drop back to the “green zone,” your lungs will feel more comfortable. After a day of knee-wrecking trek, you reach the famous apple orchards of Tilije. Give yourself a break and try the strong “Apple Marpha” brandy for a traditional way to toast a successful crossing of the Larkya La.

A short hike takes you back to the Annapurna Circuit junction. You will get on a local sharing jeep and make your way down the Marshyangdi Valley. The road is the final adventurous section in the mountains before reaching your overnight destination of Besisahar.

The drive back to the city offers one last look at the rural lifestyle of the middle hills. Back in Kathmandu, we’ll gather for a traditional Nepali feast to celebrate your successful Manaslu Circuit Trek 2026/2027.

Your 16-day Manaslu Circuit adventure officially concludes today. Enjoy a final, hearty breakfast at your hotel while soaking in the vibrant morning energy of Kathmandu one last time. If you are flying back home, our representatives will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight.